LIBERO VIRGINIA is dedicated to providing interesting, high-quality programs with experienced coaches focused on safety, healthy minds, strong bodies and good mood with a tradition of excellence.
OUR MISSION is to help kids to build their self-esteem and self-confidence through sport.
Why LIBERO VIRGINIA?
- It’s a good place to learn everything about volleyball, healthy lifestyle and passion for sports.
- Our coaches come with fresh energy and a lot of experience from the United States and Europe. They are dedicated to their students.
- LIBERO VIRGINIA is the right place to learn about team spirit, to learn how to become a winner and to respect your rival.
- At LIBERO VIRGINIA children meet new friends with whom they can share the joy of victory and the hard work at the practices.
- LIBERO VIRGINIA is a 10,000 square feet full service, clean and safe facility located just 3 minutes from Dulles Town Center.
Vladimir Jelic
Owner
Founder of Libero Virginia Volleyball Club
Head Coach U14’s Open Team
BIOGRAPHY
Coach Vladimir is coaching men’s and women’s competitive teams. He is dedicated to his students and focused on their goals. Holds students, parents and staff in high esteem, and interacts with the greatest degree of professionalism and personal integrity. Background includes leadership in the educational field and in business.
COACH QUALIFICATIONS
⇒ Strong organizational and motivational skills
⇒ PhD from the University of Nis, major Sport and Physical Education
⇒ Certified in Safe Sport Training
⇒ Certified in Chesapeake Region – IMPACT Program
⇒ Certified in First Aid
⇒ Certified in CPR
⇒ Excellent communication skills with students and parents
COACHING HIGHLIGHTS
VOLLEYBALL PLAYING CAREER
⇒ Volleyball Club Nis, Serbia⇐
⇒ University of Nis, Serbia⇐
⇒ Volleyball Club Remont, Cacak, Serbia⇐
⇒Volleyball Club Red Star, Belgrade, Serbia⇐
⇒ Volleyball Club Milos Crnjanskij, Belgrade, Serbia⇐
⇒ Volleyball Club Obilic, Belgrade, Serbia⇐
⇒ Volleyball Club NS-SEME, Novi Sad, Serbia⇐
⇒ Volleyball Club Cacak, Serbia⇐
Also used to work:
• Student Volleyball Club in Nis, Serbia;
• Sloboda Volleyball Club in Cacak, Serbia;
Nadezhda Shulga
Head Coach for U13’s Open
Head Coach for U11’s Open
BIOGRAPHY
Coach Nadya is entering her fifth year with Libero Virginia Volleyball Club, building upon her seven years of coaching youth volleyball in the US. With a wealth of passion, dedication, and 12 years of playing experience from Middle school through College in Russia, she brings a strong foundation to the game. Recognizing the importance of hard work and practice within a well-built system, Coach Nadya is committed to developing young players into solid professionals. She firmly believes that this foundation is crucial for players aged 10-14 years old, as it helps build their technique, and athleticism, and sets the groundwork for their future careers, both in volleyball and beyond.
COACH QUALIFICATIONS
⇒ 12 years of playing experience
⇒ More than 7 years coaching youth sports
⇒ IMPACT and Safe Sport certified
⇒ M.S. in Journalism
⇒ More than 20 years of experience in Journalism
COACHING EXPERIENCE
VOLLEYBALL PLAYING CAREER
⇒ Middle and High sport school team, Ch
⇒ Chelyabinsk Polytechnic University team (Russia) for 2 years
⇒ Moscow State University team (Russia) for 5 years
Coaching Philosophy
Being a part of the travel club team not only enhances players skills on the court but also instills valuable qualities that will benefit them throughout their lives. This includes learning how to work effectively as a team, taking on responsibilities, thriving under pressure, and adapting to different situations. Coach Nadya’s ultimate goal is to empower her players to become well-rounded individuals, equipped with the necessary skills and qualities for success, both on and off the volleyball court.
Kristin Vardakis-Spillane
Head Coach for U16’s Open Team
BIOGRAPHY
Coach Kristin enjoys sharing her love of the game and all things volleyball with any players she works with. She insists on a positive upbeat learning environment in which her players can improve their individual and team skills. She has been playing continuously since 1994, at every level, High School, NCAA DII, Adult USAV. At each level she has excelled and wishes to help another generation of players earn their own success and learn from the many lessons volleyball has to teach on and off the court.
Coach Kristin has a BFA from the State University of New York, Purchase, and MA in Art Therapy/Expressive Therapies from NYU. She has worked in hospitals, residential treatment centers and jails in NY, DC and VA with children, adolescent, and adult populations. She currently works as a
Therapist at a clinic in Falls Church, VA. She lives in Fairfax County with her husband and 3 children.
COACH QUALIFICATIONS
⇒ Sports Gymnasium volleyball club, SVK – 2009-2013
⇒ Sports Club Presov, SVK – 2008-2011
⇒ Volleyball Club Vranov nad Toplou, SVK – 2011-2013
⇒ COMENIUS UNIVERSITY BRATISLAVA, SVK – 2013-2015
⇒ VK DOPRASTAV BRATISLAVA, SVK – 2013-2015
⇒ NOVA CC – 2016-2018
⇒ Northern Vermont University – 2018-2020 (scholarship)
VOLLEYBALL PLAYING CAREER
⇒ State University of New York DII
⇒ Two-time NCAA DII All-American
⇒ USAV Team
PHILOPSOPHY
I support the opportunity for all players to achieve athletic success in a safe, positive, and constructive environment. I feel strongly about the power of a team, it’s support and dynamics on and off the court and the ability to develop better players and people through challenges we face together. My focus on individual player development and all-around athletes correlates to life skills, responsibilities, and trust in the team.
I insist on a positive learning environment to help all the players achieve their absolute best and encourage those around them always. I believe in working hard, pushing yourself, always trying to improve and maintaining a positive attitude at all times.
Drew Aldridge
Head Coach U15’s Open Team
BIOGRAPHY
Coach Drew is excited to enter his first year coaching at Libero Virginia! He has been coaching children in sports for many years. He has been playing volleyball recreationally and in leagues for over 20 years. He is a certified personal trainer and a married father of three who enjoys sharing his passion for the game with the next generations.
COACH QUALIFICATIONS
⇒ 20 years playing experience
⇒ 15 years coaching youth sports
⇒ IMPACT Certified
⇒ Safe Sport Certified
⇒ NASM-Certified Personal Trainer
⇒ CPR-AED Certified
COACHING HIGHLIGHTS
VOLLEYBALL PLAYING CAREER
⇒ Played in Various Virginia Leagues from 1995-2005
PHILOPSOPHY
Volleyball is my favorite team sport! Nothing matches the sheer intensity, power and grace quite like it. Teamwork is essential in the success of this game. Keeping a positive attitude, being open to listening and learning, and giving it your all are things that will translate not only to volleyball but also every aspect of life.
Jaime Doria Medina
Head Coach U12’s Open Team
Head Coach U15’s Regional Team
BIOGRAPHY
Member of the Bolivian National Team and Professional Volleyball Player
COACH QUALIFICATIONS
⇒ 35 years playing experience
COACHING HIGHLIGHTS
VOLLEYBALL PLAYING CAREER
1.- Member of the Junior National Team (3 years)
Participation with the Junior National Team like captain in South American
Championships, position Outside hitter
Mendoza – Argentina, La Paz – Bolivia, San Pablo – Brasil
2.- Member of the Adults National Team, (17 years)
Participation with the Adults National Team like captain in all South America
Championship, position Middle Blocker. BOLIVARIANS Championship tournaments with
the participation of Countries Perú, Venezuela, Ecuador, Colombia, ODESUR
Championships tournaments, with the participation of; Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, Peru,
Brazil, Uruguay. SOUTH AMERICAN qualifying tournees for Pan-American and Olympic
Games, Countries Argentina, Brasil, Perú, Venezuela, Colombia, Chile,
3. Country Championships Clubs in South America
Participation in South American Tournaments for Champion Clubs of each country with
my Club or like a Reinforcement, many tournaments in Brazil Chile, Argentina, Peru,
more than 200 games
4. Beach Volleyball Player (5 years)
Participation in all the local tournaments in Bolivia and international professional
competitions, specially in Brazil
5. Coach Experience (10 years)
Olympic Club, in Cochabamba Bolivia. Director of the Summer Camp (more than 300
players) of ages from 12 to 18 years, men and women, 8 Assistant coaches
Coach of the Olympic Club women team (under 18) in Cochabamba Bolivia
Assistant Coach in women San Martin Club, who participated in the International
Volleyball competitions for Champion Clubs for each country
6. Actual Member Part of the Bolivian Volleyball Federation, in the area of select Coaches and
Players who represent Bolivia in International Tournaments
Bizzie Ashley
Assistant coach U15’s team
BIOGRAPHY
My name is Bizzie Ashley and I am a 17 year old retired volleyball player. I played volleyball for 6 years, 5 of which being with Libero. I have found that I have a passion for teaching/coaching, rather than playing the sport. This will be my first year of assistant coaching for Libero. I am very excited to begin this journey and build new relationships while still enjoying my favorite sport!
COACH QUALIFICATIONS
⇒ 6 years playing experience
Sam Tharkay
Co-Head Coach U14’s Regional Team
BIOGRAPHY
“Hello, everyone! I’m Coach Sam, and I’m thrilled to announce that I’m embarking on my first year as a team coach. With 15 years of experience in volleyball, my journey in the sport has been both diverse and enriching. I began my volleyball career by playing in the Under-16 club in the Bronx, New York.
Subsequently, I was also part of the Varsity volleyball team in high school and had the privilege of leading our team as captain during my senior year. My passion for the game has remained strong, as I’ve continued to play recreationally ever since.
During my collegiate years, I played recreationally and also actively contributed to the sport by serving as a referee and coordinating volleyball events. My love for volleyball and my extensive background in the sport have inspired me to take on the role of a coach.
I am genuinely excited about the opportunity to coach and mentor players. I look forward to sharing my knowledge, experiences, and enthusiasm with the team, helping them to grow and excel in the world of volleyball.”
